Teens arrested for Mayfair gun shop heists

Police say they have locked up two teenagers for breaking into a Mayfair gun shop three times within three weeks recently, but the 17 firearms that they allegedly swiped are still missing.

The alleged burglars were not named publicly because they are both 17. Tips from the public helped police and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in identifying the culprits. Authorities had released surveillance video of the crimes and posted a reward of $10,000 to encourage public involvement in the investigation.

The burglaries occurred at Lock’s Gun Exchange at 6700 Rowland Ave. on Aug. 26, when five guns were stolen; on Sept. 1, when no guns were stolen; and on Sept. 14, when 12 guns were stolen. All three break-ins occurred between 2 and 3:30 a.m. when the shop was closed for business and no private security guard was on duty.

Both defendants are charged with conspiracy, burglary, mischief, trespassing and related offenses. ••